This is a Three Word Wednesday offering, so be sure to check out Three Word Wednesday for more fun!
Ricky struggled with the heavy box, cursing as he tried to get it in the door of the studio. From behind the reception desk, which was really just for show since the band didn't allow visitors, Calvin frowned.
"What are you doing, human?"
"What does it look like? I guess you couldn't have held the door or anything."
Calvin returned his attention to a video game. "Not really."
Ricky set the box on a table and wondered if it would be worthwhile to say something about Calvin's manners. Since a lecture would probably be a waste of time, he went to the desk and started looking for something he could use to cut the box open.
"There you are, Ricky." Kalila strolled into the room. "You promised to be here half an hour ago so you could hear our new song."
"I needed to pick up a package."
Kalila approached the box and eyed it warily. "I see. And what's in here that's so important?"
"Books."
She raised her eyebrows. "Not those books."
Ricky stopped fumbling among the items on the desk. "Yes, 'those' books. They're copies of that new book about us."
"You mean the story about how you went from being in fear of your life from us to--"
"Don't give the ending away."
"Who would I be giving it away to? Calvin, you know this whole ridiculous saga, don't you?"
Calvin ignored her, absorbed in his video game.
"Look, would you just help me out, here? I need something to cut open the box with. Or better yet, how about you...?"
"Open it and remove the books for you by magic."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm not your personal servant?"
"I thought maybe you'd do it as a favor."
Kalila turned away in annoyance. "Djinns don't do favors," she said, but as she left the room, she waved her hand in the direction of the box.
Ricky hurried over in a rush of excitement, and it opened at his touch.
Empty. He picked up the box, weightless now without the books, and looked around in dismay. "Kalila!"
From the end of the hall, he heard a faint voice. "Come hear our new song, Ricky."
"But...the books."
Calvin looked up from his video game. "She didn't hire you to sell books, human. Better go see what she wants."
With a sigh of frustration, Ricky trudged down the hall. "This had better be good, Kalila."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yes, folks, the rumors are true. Maelstrom is now available in e-book format from Fictionwise. Information about how to get the print version will follow just as soon as it's available But for now, if you're an e-book fan, go buy a copy of Maelstrom by following this link: Maelstrom!
Maelstrom Book Release!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
reviews (Comments): 12
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is both an announcement and a Sunday Scribblings post!
Vic: You've got to be kidding. A book signing?
Ricky: Well, uh...yeah. You know, our book.
Kalila: You mean my book. It's all about me.
Ricky: Actually, I think it's about me.
Kalila: It can't be, Ricky. Why would anyone want to read about a human?
Ricky: (rolls his eyes) Why, indeed? Just tell me if you'll do it.
Kalila: Of course I want to meet my fans.
Bo: I'll be there, too. It's okay if I sign body parts, right?
Ricky: Um, well...
Bo: Never mind, then. Sounds like a waste of time.
Vic: I agree. Unless...(gives Ricky a quizzical look) we could combine this with a blood drive or something. That's doable, right?
Ricky: Sorry. There's a...uh...phlebotomist shortage. Really unfortunate, isn't it?
Lazaro: I want to go. People who read are smart. Smart brains taste good.
Ricky: I was thinking maybe you should stay here and rehearse, Lazaro. Keep an eye on the studio and all that. Wouldn't want anyone sneaking in and stealing your drums or anything.
Lazaro: Never thought of that. Good idea.
Ricky: (looks around) Nevin, are you in? You'll do the book signing, right?
Nevin: Of course, Ricky. Anything to help you and the band.
Ricky: Great, it looks like we've got it all figured out. The event is tentatively scheduled for May 15, but I'll have more details later.
Nevin: (claps hands) Wonderful!
Kalila: Considering that the book is about me, it's about time.
Ricky: Actually, I'm pretty sure it's about me.
Kalila: Impossible.
Ricky: I guess we'll find out, won't we?
It's almost here, folks! Maelstrom is in the final stages of cover design and should be available for purchase on or about May 15, 2010. More information soon!
Vic: You've got to be kidding. A book signing?
Ricky: Well, uh...yeah. You know, our book.
Kalila: You mean my book. It's all about me.
Ricky: Actually, I think it's about me.
Kalila: It can't be, Ricky. Why would anyone want to read about a human?
Ricky: (rolls his eyes) Why, indeed? Just tell me if you'll do it.
Kalila: Of course I want to meet my fans.
Bo: I'll be there, too. It's okay if I sign body parts, right?
Ricky: Um, well...
Bo: Never mind, then. Sounds like a waste of time.
Vic: I agree. Unless...(gives Ricky a quizzical look) we could combine this with a blood drive or something. That's doable, right?
Ricky: Sorry. There's a...uh...phlebotomist shortage. Really unfortunate, isn't it?
Lazaro: I want to go. People who read are smart. Smart brains taste good.
Ricky: I was thinking maybe you should stay here and rehearse, Lazaro. Keep an eye on the studio and all that. Wouldn't want anyone sneaking in and stealing your drums or anything.
Lazaro: Never thought of that. Good idea.
Ricky: (looks around) Nevin, are you in? You'll do the book signing, right?
Nevin: Of course, Ricky. Anything to help you and the band.
Ricky: Great, it looks like we've got it all figured out. The event is tentatively scheduled for May 15, but I'll have more details later.
Nevin: (claps hands) Wonderful!
Kalila: Considering that the book is about me, it's about time.
Ricky: Actually, I'm pretty sure it's about me.
Kalila: Impossible.
Ricky: I guess we'll find out, won't we?
It's almost here, folks! Maelstrom is in the final stages of cover design and should be available for purchase on or about May 15, 2010. More information soon!
Announcement: First Chapter Posted!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
reviews (Comments): 1
First chapter of the novel can be read here or by following the link in the banner above. If you have trouble reading it, leave your contact info in the comments and a pdf will be emailed to you.
And here's the newest Three Word Wednesday story: Incubus Indifference. The prompts were Callous, Interfere, and Persistent, and the result was something a little edgier than what usually appears here, but still quite work-safe.
And in case you missed them, here are a few recent stories:
Trusting Demons: Ricky is too sick to go to the show, but can he trust the band to play their gig and behave themselves?
Drive-In: A quiet night at the drive-in turns frustrating when three of the band members go missing. Ricky just wants to hang out with Kalila, but instead he's on a demon hunt.
Wanted for Murder: There's a reward out for clues to the murderer of a missing pizza delivery driver. Is it worth the band's trouble to turn Lazaro in, or should they just insist he hide the bodies better?
And the first story ever posted here, before we had any traffic:
Variax Variations: Kalila is intrigued by a new guitar. Ricky wants her to quit goofing off so they can check out a new venue. He knows how to get a genie out of a lamp, but can he get her out of the guitar store?
Enjoy! And if you like the artwork above, check out Rebecca's gallery!
Maelstrom Extra: No Magic in the Breakdown Lane
Monday, January 19, 2009
reviews (Comments): 3
Ricky sat at the kitchenette table, trying to catch up on his work. Going with the band in their tour bus wasn’t very professional, but it beat trusting them to get to gigs on their own. Luckily everyone was easy to deal with today. Vic and Lazaro were asleep, Kalila was in her custom travel bottle, Nevin was reading a book about endangered water birds, and Bo was in the lounge, watching porn on the plasma TV. As long as Ricky kept his earplugs in, there was nothing to distract him from—
The bus gave a lurch and a shudder.
“Everything all right up there?” Ricky called. When he didn’t get an answer, he went to the front, where he found Calvin cursing as he maneuvered the bus off the highway. “What’s going on?”
The werewolf waved a hand at the dashboard. “Says ‘check engine.’ Could be anything.”
Ricky peered out the windshield, then at the GPS. “Can’t we at least get to someplace with a gas station?”
“You want to push?” Calvin snarled. “Accelerator’s not doing anything.”
“Great.” Ricky went to the back of the bus, where Nevin had set his book aside and Bo was momentarily distracted from the heaving, silver-painted bodies of Space Orgy VII. “Something’s wrong with the bus.” Ricky looked at Nevin. “Go see what you can do to help.”
“I’m sorry, Ricky, but I know nothing about mechanics.”
“I mean, go do some magic or something.”
“It’s against the rules. We can’t use magic to get to or from a venue.”
“But you’d be using magic to fix the bus, not to transport us anywhere.” Seeing that Nevin was unconvinced, Ricky tapped on Kalila’s travel bottle. “Wake up. We’ve got a problem.” When she didn’t come out, he tapped again, harder.
This time, a thin stream of smoke drifted out of the bottle’s mouth. It took several minutes, but finally it coalesced into a shadow, then into Kalila, who stood blinking and scowling sleepily. “What do you want?”
“The bus is stopped,” Ricky said.
By now Calvin had joined them. “It won’t go at all. Engine’s dead.”
“Well, that’s not my problem.” Kalila started to waver as she prepared to go back into her bottle.
“Wait,” Ricky said. “You need to fix the bus. Nevin has some crazy interpretation of the ‘transportation by human means’ rule that says you can’t fix a breakdown with magic.”
“He’s right,” Kalila said, dissolving into a cloud of blue smoke. “Call Triple-A.”
Calvin gave Ricky a pointed look. “You heard the djinn. Get us some human help.”
Ricky called the service number, and was informed it would be at least an hour before someone could come to where they were. In exasperation, he went outside with Calvin, hoping he might see something under the hood that he could fix, but the big diesel engine was beyond his limited understanding. They would have to wait. Ricky walked away from the bus and called the venue manager in the next town to let him know they would be late.
Frustrated, Ricky walked the gravel shoulder of the highway. They were near a scenic overlook with a cleared area for admiring the valley below, so he wandered over, took a few pictures with his Blackberry, then leaned against the railing and gazed out over the lush landscape.
“Poor Ricky,” said a voice at his elbow. “You’re upset.”
Ricky turned to see Nevin eyeing him curiously.
“I’m sorry we can’t fix the bus,” Nevin said, “But you really don’t want us to forfeit the bet with Gotterdammerung, do you?”
“No, of course not.” Ricky leaned back over the railing. “Five hundred years in Hades would suck. But—” he turned to look at Nevin again. “Why the silly rule? ‘Human fame by human means’ is so much harder than just waving your magic wand.”
“That’s the whole point,” Nevin said patiently. “It’s supposed to be a challenge.”
“But why make it hard on yourselves? All of life is a challenge.”
“Not for us. This builds character.”
“Well, I could use a little less of that.”
“Oh, Ricky, you should look at the positives.” Nevin leaned out over the railing and pointed to the river below. “Isn’t it beautiful? It’s a sunny day, the sky is blue, we’re in a lovely part of the country, and just think—we almost missed this view.”
Ricky looked at his watch.
“Stop that. You need to learn to relax, let go, and just accept that some things are going to be how they are. You need to find a way to make the best of it.”
Ricky looked back out over the valley. Yes, it was nice, and if the tour bus hadn’t broken down, he would’ve missed it, but…. “Uh, Nevin? Does the ‘no magic’ rule apply to hurrying up the tow truck?”
Nevin met his eyes for a long moment, then shrugged. “I suppose not. But you know, if we were an ordinary human band, you’d be in this exact same situation. It’s only because we’re different that you expect more.”
Nevin walked away, leaving Ricky alone. What the keyboardist had said was true. He expected murder and mayhem after every show, but assumed that djinn and fairy magic could save the day when he was tired, in trouble, or simply wanted a waffle. His view of how the world worked was becoming so warped it was a wonder he could appreciate anything normal any more.
With that thought in mind, he looked once more over the valley, drew in a deep breath of the golden afternoon, and sighed. It really was a pretty day. It would’ve been a shame to have missed it.
The bus gave a lurch and a shudder.
“Everything all right up there?” Ricky called. When he didn’t get an answer, he went to the front, where he found Calvin cursing as he maneuvered the bus off the highway. “What’s going on?”
The werewolf waved a hand at the dashboard. “Says ‘check engine.’ Could be anything.”
Ricky peered out the windshield, then at the GPS. “Can’t we at least get to someplace with a gas station?”
“You want to push?” Calvin snarled. “Accelerator’s not doing anything.”
“Great.” Ricky went to the back of the bus, where Nevin had set his book aside and Bo was momentarily distracted from the heaving, silver-painted bodies of Space Orgy VII. “Something’s wrong with the bus.” Ricky looked at Nevin. “Go see what you can do to help.”
“I’m sorry, Ricky, but I know nothing about mechanics.”
“I mean, go do some magic or something.”
“It’s against the rules. We can’t use magic to get to or from a venue.”
“But you’d be using magic to fix the bus, not to transport us anywhere.” Seeing that Nevin was unconvinced, Ricky tapped on Kalila’s travel bottle. “Wake up. We’ve got a problem.” When she didn’t come out, he tapped again, harder.
This time, a thin stream of smoke drifted out of the bottle’s mouth. It took several minutes, but finally it coalesced into a shadow, then into Kalila, who stood blinking and scowling sleepily. “What do you want?”
“The bus is stopped,” Ricky said.
By now Calvin had joined them. “It won’t go at all. Engine’s dead.”
“Well, that’s not my problem.” Kalila started to waver as she prepared to go back into her bottle.
“Wait,” Ricky said. “You need to fix the bus. Nevin has some crazy interpretation of the ‘transportation by human means’ rule that says you can’t fix a breakdown with magic.”
“He’s right,” Kalila said, dissolving into a cloud of blue smoke. “Call Triple-A.”
Calvin gave Ricky a pointed look. “You heard the djinn. Get us some human help.”
Ricky called the service number, and was informed it would be at least an hour before someone could come to where they were. In exasperation, he went outside with Calvin, hoping he might see something under the hood that he could fix, but the big diesel engine was beyond his limited understanding. They would have to wait. Ricky walked away from the bus and called the venue manager in the next town to let him know they would be late.
Frustrated, Ricky walked the gravel shoulder of the highway. They were near a scenic overlook with a cleared area for admiring the valley below, so he wandered over, took a few pictures with his Blackberry, then leaned against the railing and gazed out over the lush landscape.
“Poor Ricky,” said a voice at his elbow. “You’re upset.”
Ricky turned to see Nevin eyeing him curiously.
“I’m sorry we can’t fix the bus,” Nevin said, “But you really don’t want us to forfeit the bet with Gotterdammerung, do you?”
“No, of course not.” Ricky leaned back over the railing. “Five hundred years in Hades would suck. But—” he turned to look at Nevin again. “Why the silly rule? ‘Human fame by human means’ is so much harder than just waving your magic wand.”
“That’s the whole point,” Nevin said patiently. “It’s supposed to be a challenge.”
“But why make it hard on yourselves? All of life is a challenge.”
“Not for us. This builds character.”
“Well, I could use a little less of that.”
“Oh, Ricky, you should look at the positives.” Nevin leaned out over the railing and pointed to the river below. “Isn’t it beautiful? It’s a sunny day, the sky is blue, we’re in a lovely part of the country, and just think—we almost missed this view.”
Ricky looked at his watch.
“Stop that. You need to learn to relax, let go, and just accept that some things are going to be how they are. You need to find a way to make the best of it.”
Ricky looked back out over the valley. Yes, it was nice, and if the tour bus hadn’t broken down, he would’ve missed it, but…. “Uh, Nevin? Does the ‘no magic’ rule apply to hurrying up the tow truck?”
Nevin met his eyes for a long moment, then shrugged. “I suppose not. But you know, if we were an ordinary human band, you’d be in this exact same situation. It’s only because we’re different that you expect more.”
Nevin walked away, leaving Ricky alone. What the keyboardist had said was true. He expected murder and mayhem after every show, but assumed that djinn and fairy magic could save the day when he was tired, in trouble, or simply wanted a waffle. His view of how the world worked was becoming so warped it was a wonder he could appreciate anything normal any more.
With that thought in mind, he looked once more over the valley, drew in a deep breath of the golden afternoon, and sighed. It really was a pretty day. It would’ve been a shame to have missed it.
Review: Maelstrom at Ziggaurat
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
reviews (Comments): 2
Big Night at the Ziggaurat
by Jeff Truitt
Reprinted with permission of The Daily Post and Clarion
Over the last couple of years, I’ve noticed the local metal scene getting stale. New bands repeat what’s been safely done before, their only innovation, if you can call it that, to turn up the volume.
Maelstrom is the real deal. Expertly straddling the line between old school rock and straight up heavy metal, they churn out their own material and cover the masters with a confidence that sets heads nodding and hands reaching for the air guitar.
Their show at Ziggurat last Friday night started with the explosive guitar riffs of Kalila Yusra, whose sultry sex appeal would be enough to blow minds even if she couldn’t play more than three chords. But she can play, and her fetishistic riffs on “Never Yours Truly” and screaming guitar solo on the moody juggernaut “No Exit” will convince you that she’s no Guitar Barbie and can hold her own against the very best the music scene has to offer.
Supporting her on bass, Bo Valentino combines great tone and killer riffage into a brooding, low-slung bass line that reminded me just how much a band loses when it settles for a bass player who only keeps the beat. Not only does he turn out complicated rhythms on classics like “Stone Cold Crazy,” but he follows up with a sexy performance with Kalila on “Hot Night, Cold Heart,” that will make you wonder if those two shouldn’t check into a hotel after the show.
Of course every good band needs a front man, and vocalist Vic Drake delivers in masterful fashion. His voice has a gritty, urban appeal, equally well suited for the rampaging “Carrion Road” and the darkly soulful “Blue Rumor.” He really proves his talent, though, with his angsty howl on the introspective “If, Then,” where he shows off his range and plays to the eerie harmonics put out by Nevin Prantz on keyboards.
Nevin is a bit of an anomaly. Metal bands usually don’t bother with synth, which if done wrong can make even the wildest steel-stringed tirade take on shades of Duran Duran. But although Nevin is a classically trained pianist, he fits right into the scene, his nuanced and cathartic sub-melodies weaving in and out of the aggressive guitar and vocal melodies and holding their own against moments of frantic drum abandon by Lazaro Thantos.
In sum, this group is solid. Driven by powerful drum beats and excellently crafted vocals and guitar work, Maelstrom is a hard-edged, dynamic act with old school roots and a driven, creative energy. Look for them to go far in this business and be sure to catch them after the show, if you can. They love their fans and someday you’ll be able to say you knew them when.
Highly Recommended: 4.5/5 Stars
by Jeff Truitt
Reprinted with permission of The Daily Post and Clarion
Over the last couple of years, I’ve noticed the local metal scene getting stale. New bands repeat what’s been safely done before, their only innovation, if you can call it that, to turn up the volume.
Maelstrom is the real deal. Expertly straddling the line between old school rock and straight up heavy metal, they churn out their own material and cover the masters with a confidence that sets heads nodding and hands reaching for the air guitar.
Their show at Ziggurat last Friday night started with the explosive guitar riffs of Kalila Yusra, whose sultry sex appeal would be enough to blow minds even if she couldn’t play more than three chords. But she can play, and her fetishistic riffs on “Never Yours Truly” and screaming guitar solo on the moody juggernaut “No Exit” will convince you that she’s no Guitar Barbie and can hold her own against the very best the music scene has to offer.
Supporting her on bass, Bo Valentino combines great tone and killer riffage into a brooding, low-slung bass line that reminded me just how much a band loses when it settles for a bass player who only keeps the beat. Not only does he turn out complicated rhythms on classics like “Stone Cold Crazy,” but he follows up with a sexy performance with Kalila on “Hot Night, Cold Heart,” that will make you wonder if those two shouldn’t check into a hotel after the show.
Of course every good band needs a front man, and vocalist Vic Drake delivers in masterful fashion. His voice has a gritty, urban appeal, equally well suited for the rampaging “Carrion Road” and the darkly soulful “Blue Rumor.” He really proves his talent, though, with his angsty howl on the introspective “If, Then,” where he shows off his range and plays to the eerie harmonics put out by Nevin Prantz on keyboards.
Nevin is a bit of an anomaly. Metal bands usually don’t bother with synth, which if done wrong can make even the wildest steel-stringed tirade take on shades of Duran Duran. But although Nevin is a classically trained pianist, he fits right into the scene, his nuanced and cathartic sub-melodies weaving in and out of the aggressive guitar and vocal melodies and holding their own against moments of frantic drum abandon by Lazaro Thantos.
In sum, this group is solid. Driven by powerful drum beats and excellently crafted vocals and guitar work, Maelstrom is a hard-edged, dynamic act with old school roots and a driven, creative energy. Look for them to go far in this business and be sure to catch them after the show, if you can. They love their fans and someday you’ll be able to say you knew them when.
Highly Recommended: 4.5/5 Stars
Maelstrom Extra: Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 27, 2008
reviews (Comments): 1
Was there anything more depressing than a holiday on the road? Ricky switched through the TV channels. He should be at home having Thanksgiving with his mother, not at the Ambassador Suites hotel, or wherever the hell he was. After so many weeks of touring, it was all running together.
On the television, an aggressively cheerful woman was basting a turkey. She reminded him of his sister-in-law, Joanne. At least he wasn’t having to deal with her today. Small blessings. He turned off the TV and stretched. It was early for the band to be awake, but he had no friends in this town and any companionship was better than none.
The door to the band’s suite opened before he could knock, and Calvin blocked his way. “They’re busy, human.”
Ricky tried to peer around him. “What are they doing?” From this vantage he could see Kalila and Nevin on the sofa, huddled over a book.
“It’s a surprise.”
This wasn’t good. Ricky had been managing the band since summer and they had yet to come up with a surprise that wasn’t illegal, immoral, or both. He tried to shove his way into the room, but Calvin tossed him into the hall with ease. Kalila noticed and came to the door with a curt order for the werewolf to “heel.”
She leaned against the door frame and watched Ricky get to his feet. “Why aren’t you attending to human things? It’s a holiday for you, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but it’s a family holiday. There’s no 'human things' for me to attend to out on the road.”
“Oh. Well, don’t blame us for your troubles.” She looked over her shoulder at Nevin. “Should we let him in?”
“Of course. We’re the only family he has today.”
“That’s pathetic.” Kalila waved Ricky into their suite. “No sentimentality, okay? We’re not a substitute for whatever you would’ve done at home—caroling, hunting for colored eggs, or whatever.”
“I think you’ve got the holidays mixed up.” Ricky went to move Kalila’s book so he could sit on the sofa, but it vanished in his hand before he could get a look at the title.
“None of your business,” she said.
“That wasn’t very nice,” Nevin told her. Then he gave Ricky a childlike smile. “So is there anything in particular you’d like to do today?”
“No, I just wanted some company.”
The fairy nodded wisely. “It seems to be a common sentiment among your kind.” He indicated the closed door to the back of the suite. “Arlinda from the front desk felt the same way. Bo is helping her out.”
Ricky had already noticed the sound of creaking bed springs. “I thought I told him to leave the hotel staff alone.”
Kalila sank into an upholstered chair and dangled her legs over the armrest. “He was after a cute girl at the pool until he found out she was underage. He thought you’d be more upset about that than the desk clerk. And you know what Bo is like if he goes too long without feeding.”
With a small shudder Ricky remembered the times the bass player had tried to back him into a corner for a quickie. Bo’s preference was human females, but when an incubus got hungry enough, anything from a human male to a gazelle would do.
“So tell me about this holiday of yours,” Kalila went on, in a tone so artlessly casual that Ricky was immediately on his guard. “It has something to do with football and Pilgrims, right?”
“Not exactly.” Ricky tried his best to explain the concept of Thanksgiving. “It’s about being grateful for the good things that have happened in the year. It’s about sharing as a way of showing thanks for your blessings.”
While Kalila pondered this, Ricky looked around. “So where are Vic and Lazaro? Sleeping?”
“They had an errand to take care of.”
Ricky sat up in alarm. “What kind of errand?”
“Don’t worry. They wore their hats and ski masks.”
That the vampire and zombie were out in daytime was the least of Ricky’s worries. “The sun isn’t what scares me. I want to know where they went. The blood bank? The morgue? How am I supposed to keep you guys out of trouble when you go doing crazy demon shit all the time?”
“You worry too much.” Kalila stood up. “And you’re starting to bore me.” She exchanged a look with Nevin, who took Ricky by the elbow and tried to pull him toward the door.
“Wouldn’t you like to go back to your room?” Nevin said. “You’ll feel much better after a nap.”
“I’m not sleepy. I need to find out what Vic and Lazaro are doing so I can make them stop. I need for Bo to quit banging the hotel staff and start acting like a civilized creature. I need—”
“Oh, Ricky. You’re overwrought by all this silly holiday business.” Before Ricky could answer, Nevin tossed a handful of pink glitter in his face, making sure to catch him when he fell.
* * *
Ricky awoke in his own bed, comfortable and his mind at ease. The sunlight filtered through the half-open curtains at a low angle that made him wonder if it was morning or evening. He spent a few minutes trying to piece together how he had gotten here. Oh, yes. Fairy magic. He relaxed, knowing he would be pissed about it later, but there was no point trying to drum up negative emotions until the effects wore off. What the hell was he in band management for when he could make a fortune selling Nevin’s fairy potions?
A sound of whispered argument from the front room caught his attention. Was it a robbery? Some kind of mischief from the band of washed-up deities that had kidnapped the tour manager? Oddly, he felt no sense of alarm. Damn Nevin and his stupid spells.
An unmistakable aroma began filling the room. At first Ricky thought his senses were deceiving him, but then his stomach rumbled and he decided that whatever the danger on the other side of the door, it was one that included food and should be investigated. He got out of bed and quietly opened the door.
White tablecloth. Candles. Nevin arranging flowers in a vase. In the kitchenette, Kalila was spooning things onto a plate while Vic leaned against the counter watching in disgust. Bo was on the sofa playing with the TV remote and Lazaro sat in an upholstered chair, tapping a soft rhythm on his knee with a pair of sticks. Overseeing from the doorway was Calvin, gnawing a turkey bone.
Ricky stepped into the room and everyone stopped what they were doing. Kalila turned to Nevin with a frown. “He’s not supposed to be up yet, is he?”
Nevin shrugged. “Close enough.”
“I suppose.” She set a plate of food on the table. “Happy Thanksgiving, human.” When Ricky didn’t answer right away, she glanced at the plate in concern. “We got it right, didn’t we? “Turkey, stuffing, potatoes …”
“And I found us a football game to watch,” Bo said.
“I thought you only watched porn,” Ricky said.
The incubus set the remote aside. “I can make sacrifices. Enjoy your dinner.”
“With your new family,” Nevin added. He pointed to his plate of green beans. “I can join you, right?”
“You can all join me.”
“Food’s not bloody enough,” Vic said. “But thanks.”
“No. Thank you. You guys—”
“Stop that,” Kalila said. “No weird human emotions.”
Ricky sat down. “But it doesn’t work like that. This is a day for being grateful for food, friends, family, and all the other good things in our lives.”
“Or our deaths,” Lazaro reminded him.
“Right. For whatever we have that we like.”
Nevin set down his plate and gave Ricky a hug. “And we like you.”
“That’s pushing it a bit, glitter boy,” Vic said
Kalila crossed her arms and looked at Ricky in annoyance. “So are you going to eat, or what? I did a lot of research on that meal to get it to your silly human standards.”
“And I’m grateful for it,” Ricky told her, picking up a fork. “Even if you are a bitchy genie.”
“I’m a what?”
“And I’m grateful for you, too.”
Kalila’s face changed slightly. “Are you really?”
“Yeah.” He scooted over and patted the place beside him on the sofa. “Want to join me?”
Their eyes met and Ricky held his breath. The only thing Kalila hated more than being disrespected was being liked. Had he gone too far?
She ran a nervous hand through her hair. “I guess there would be no harm in it.” She sat down beside him, as cautiously as if Ricky might be dangerous.
Bo grinned. “What’s the matter, djinn? He’s the only one in this room who doesn’t bite.”
Kalila ignored him and pretended great interest in Ricky’s food. “So I got it right? The cranberries and everything?”
“It’s perfect Kalila. Thank you.”
She nodded in cool satisfaction. “You’ve done a lot for us. It was the least we could do.” She hesitated, then gave him a quick, embarrassed hug. “Happy Thanksgiving…friend.”
On the television, an aggressively cheerful woman was basting a turkey. She reminded him of his sister-in-law, Joanne. At least he wasn’t having to deal with her today. Small blessings. He turned off the TV and stretched. It was early for the band to be awake, but he had no friends in this town and any companionship was better than none.
The door to the band’s suite opened before he could knock, and Calvin blocked his way. “They’re busy, human.”
Ricky tried to peer around him. “What are they doing?” From this vantage he could see Kalila and Nevin on the sofa, huddled over a book.
“It’s a surprise.”
This wasn’t good. Ricky had been managing the band since summer and they had yet to come up with a surprise that wasn’t illegal, immoral, or both. He tried to shove his way into the room, but Calvin tossed him into the hall with ease. Kalila noticed and came to the door with a curt order for the werewolf to “heel.”
She leaned against the door frame and watched Ricky get to his feet. “Why aren’t you attending to human things? It’s a holiday for you, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but it’s a family holiday. There’s no 'human things' for me to attend to out on the road.”
“Oh. Well, don’t blame us for your troubles.” She looked over her shoulder at Nevin. “Should we let him in?”
“Of course. We’re the only family he has today.”
“That’s pathetic.” Kalila waved Ricky into their suite. “No sentimentality, okay? We’re not a substitute for whatever you would’ve done at home—caroling, hunting for colored eggs, or whatever.”
“I think you’ve got the holidays mixed up.” Ricky went to move Kalila’s book so he could sit on the sofa, but it vanished in his hand before he could get a look at the title.
“None of your business,” she said.
“That wasn’t very nice,” Nevin told her. Then he gave Ricky a childlike smile. “So is there anything in particular you’d like to do today?”
“No, I just wanted some company.”
The fairy nodded wisely. “It seems to be a common sentiment among your kind.” He indicated the closed door to the back of the suite. “Arlinda from the front desk felt the same way. Bo is helping her out.”
Ricky had already noticed the sound of creaking bed springs. “I thought I told him to leave the hotel staff alone.”
Kalila sank into an upholstered chair and dangled her legs over the armrest. “He was after a cute girl at the pool until he found out she was underage. He thought you’d be more upset about that than the desk clerk. And you know what Bo is like if he goes too long without feeding.”
With a small shudder Ricky remembered the times the bass player had tried to back him into a corner for a quickie. Bo’s preference was human females, but when an incubus got hungry enough, anything from a human male to a gazelle would do.
“So tell me about this holiday of yours,” Kalila went on, in a tone so artlessly casual that Ricky was immediately on his guard. “It has something to do with football and Pilgrims, right?”
“Not exactly.” Ricky tried his best to explain the concept of Thanksgiving. “It’s about being grateful for the good things that have happened in the year. It’s about sharing as a way of showing thanks for your blessings.”
While Kalila pondered this, Ricky looked around. “So where are Vic and Lazaro? Sleeping?”
“They had an errand to take care of.”
Ricky sat up in alarm. “What kind of errand?”
“Don’t worry. They wore their hats and ski masks.”
That the vampire and zombie were out in daytime was the least of Ricky’s worries. “The sun isn’t what scares me. I want to know where they went. The blood bank? The morgue? How am I supposed to keep you guys out of trouble when you go doing crazy demon shit all the time?”
“You worry too much.” Kalila stood up. “And you’re starting to bore me.” She exchanged a look with Nevin, who took Ricky by the elbow and tried to pull him toward the door.
“Wouldn’t you like to go back to your room?” Nevin said. “You’ll feel much better after a nap.”
“I’m not sleepy. I need to find out what Vic and Lazaro are doing so I can make them stop. I need for Bo to quit banging the hotel staff and start acting like a civilized creature. I need—”
“Oh, Ricky. You’re overwrought by all this silly holiday business.” Before Ricky could answer, Nevin tossed a handful of pink glitter in his face, making sure to catch him when he fell.
* * *
Ricky awoke in his own bed, comfortable and his mind at ease. The sunlight filtered through the half-open curtains at a low angle that made him wonder if it was morning or evening. He spent a few minutes trying to piece together how he had gotten here. Oh, yes. Fairy magic. He relaxed, knowing he would be pissed about it later, but there was no point trying to drum up negative emotions until the effects wore off. What the hell was he in band management for when he could make a fortune selling Nevin’s fairy potions?
A sound of whispered argument from the front room caught his attention. Was it a robbery? Some kind of mischief from the band of washed-up deities that had kidnapped the tour manager? Oddly, he felt no sense of alarm. Damn Nevin and his stupid spells.
An unmistakable aroma began filling the room. At first Ricky thought his senses were deceiving him, but then his stomach rumbled and he decided that whatever the danger on the other side of the door, it was one that included food and should be investigated. He got out of bed and quietly opened the door.
White tablecloth. Candles. Nevin arranging flowers in a vase. In the kitchenette, Kalila was spooning things onto a plate while Vic leaned against the counter watching in disgust. Bo was on the sofa playing with the TV remote and Lazaro sat in an upholstered chair, tapping a soft rhythm on his knee with a pair of sticks. Overseeing from the doorway was Calvin, gnawing a turkey bone.
Ricky stepped into the room and everyone stopped what they were doing. Kalila turned to Nevin with a frown. “He’s not supposed to be up yet, is he?”
Nevin shrugged. “Close enough.”
“I suppose.” She set a plate of food on the table. “Happy Thanksgiving, human.” When Ricky didn’t answer right away, she glanced at the plate in concern. “We got it right, didn’t we? “Turkey, stuffing, potatoes …”
“And I found us a football game to watch,” Bo said.
“I thought you only watched porn,” Ricky said.
The incubus set the remote aside. “I can make sacrifices. Enjoy your dinner.”
“With your new family,” Nevin added. He pointed to his plate of green beans. “I can join you, right?”
“You can all join me.”
“Food’s not bloody enough,” Vic said. “But thanks.”
“No. Thank you. You guys—”
“Stop that,” Kalila said. “No weird human emotions.”
Ricky sat down. “But it doesn’t work like that. This is a day for being grateful for food, friends, family, and all the other good things in our lives.”
“Or our deaths,” Lazaro reminded him.
“Right. For whatever we have that we like.”
Nevin set down his plate and gave Ricky a hug. “And we like you.”
“That’s pushing it a bit, glitter boy,” Vic said
Kalila crossed her arms and looked at Ricky in annoyance. “So are you going to eat, or what? I did a lot of research on that meal to get it to your silly human standards.”
“And I’m grateful for it,” Ricky told her, picking up a fork. “Even if you are a bitchy genie.”
“I’m a what?”
“And I’m grateful for you, too.”
Kalila’s face changed slightly. “Are you really?”
“Yeah.” He scooted over and patted the place beside him on the sofa. “Want to join me?”
Their eyes met and Ricky held his breath. The only thing Kalila hated more than being disrespected was being liked. Had he gone too far?
She ran a nervous hand through her hair. “I guess there would be no harm in it.” She sat down beside him, as cautiously as if Ricky might be dangerous.
Bo grinned. “What’s the matter, djinn? He’s the only one in this room who doesn’t bite.”
Kalila ignored him and pretended great interest in Ricky’s food. “So I got it right? The cranberries and everything?”
“It’s perfect Kalila. Thank you.”
She nodded in cool satisfaction. “You’ve done a lot for us. It was the least we could do.” She hesitated, then gave him a quick, embarrassed hug. “Happy Thanksgiving…friend.”
Reviews of Shows and Albums
Friday, October 31, 2008
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Maelstrom: The Band
Kalila Yusra
Species: Djinn (genie)
Instrument: Lead Guitar
Likes: Guitars, sexy outfits, bossing humans around.
Dislikes: Sentimentality, being treated as a sex object, ex-boyfriends
Special Talents: Shape-shifting, healing, conjuring
Kalila is neither sweet nor patient, and she hates any comparison to Barbara Eden. Although she's well over two thousand years old, she's relatively new to Western ways, having arrived in Europe by mistake when a seventeenth century trader took her lamp home with him on his ship. Since then, she's been making the best of things, dating European gods and looking for interesting ways to occupy herself. She’s smart, dedicated, ambitious, and given to extremes of callousness followed by sudden generosity. Kalila is the brains of Maelstrom, smug in her talent and immortality.
Nevin Prantz
Species: Fairy
Instrument: Keyboards
Special Talents: Shape-shifting, sleeping potions, happy potions, conjuring
Likes: Butteflies, birds, flowers, waterfalls, music.
Dislikes: Fighting, disapproval, dark and gloomy places
Nevin is a classically trained pianist who met Kalila when she, new to Europe, decided to take music lessons from his tutor, Maria Anna Mozart. Nevin is a vegetarian and is into social causes, even when he’s a little confused by them, and has a sweet and helpful nature. He’s always on hand with a potion to cheer someone up or help them sleep. He’s the band’s conscience and as such is usually ignored. Luckily he’s quick to get over his hurt feelings, forgive his demon band-mates and try again.
Vic Drake
Species: Vampire
Instrument: Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Special Talents: Seduction
Likes: Type O, human females, attention
Dislikes: Type AB Negative, daylight, being ignored
Although Maelstrom is Kalila’s band, Vic is the front man and moody growled vocals are his specialty. Like most of his kind, he’s not interested in norms of human behavior and any acts of kindness are sure to have an ulterior motive. He’s the only one in the band who understands sarcasm and is the only real cynic. He’s often in competition with Bo for girls, but partners with Lazaro for raids on morgues, medical schools, and other places where a “meal” can be picked up quick.
Bo Valentino
Species: Incubus
Instrument: Bass Guitar
Likes: Sex
Dislikes: Anything that prevents him from getting laid
Special Talents: Seduction, manifesting in bedrooms
Bo has a blond, sexy appeal that works on just about any sentient creature. His preference is human females, but he’ll try anything if he’s hungry enough. He’s laid-back and charming when he gets his way, sullen and conniving when he doesn’t. A sleaze with a surfer boy’s good looks, he’s happy to party his way through eternity, and playing in a rock band is just another way to meet girls and have a good time.
Lazaro Thantos
Species: Zombie
Instrument: Drums
Likes: Drums, brains, makeup artists
Dislikes: Brains of stupid people, anything that keeps him away from his drums
Special Talents: Hiding the bodies
Lazaro is a simple creature, obsessed with drums and food. He admires intelligence in his food and likes to raid colleges for his meals. For the most part, though, he just wants to be left to play his drums in peace.
Species: Djinn (genie)
Instrument: Lead Guitar
Likes: Guitars, sexy outfits, bossing humans around.
Dislikes: Sentimentality, being treated as a sex object, ex-boyfriends
Special Talents: Shape-shifting, healing, conjuring
Kalila is neither sweet nor patient, and she hates any comparison to Barbara Eden. Although she's well over two thousand years old, she's relatively new to Western ways, having arrived in Europe by mistake when a seventeenth century trader took her lamp home with him on his ship. Since then, she's been making the best of things, dating European gods and looking for interesting ways to occupy herself. She’s smart, dedicated, ambitious, and given to extremes of callousness followed by sudden generosity. Kalila is the brains of Maelstrom, smug in her talent and immortality.
Nevin Prantz
Species: Fairy
Instrument: Keyboards
Special Talents: Shape-shifting, sleeping potions, happy potions, conjuring
Likes: Butteflies, birds, flowers, waterfalls, music.
Dislikes: Fighting, disapproval, dark and gloomy places
Nevin is a classically trained pianist who met Kalila when she, new to Europe, decided to take music lessons from his tutor, Maria Anna Mozart. Nevin is a vegetarian and is into social causes, even when he’s a little confused by them, and has a sweet and helpful nature. He’s always on hand with a potion to cheer someone up or help them sleep. He’s the band’s conscience and as such is usually ignored. Luckily he’s quick to get over his hurt feelings, forgive his demon band-mates and try again.
Vic Drake
Species: Vampire
Instrument: Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Special Talents: Seduction
Likes: Type O, human females, attention
Dislikes: Type AB Negative, daylight, being ignored
Although Maelstrom is Kalila’s band, Vic is the front man and moody growled vocals are his specialty. Like most of his kind, he’s not interested in norms of human behavior and any acts of kindness are sure to have an ulterior motive. He’s the only one in the band who understands sarcasm and is the only real cynic. He’s often in competition with Bo for girls, but partners with Lazaro for raids on morgues, medical schools, and other places where a “meal” can be picked up quick.
Bo Valentino
Species: Incubus
Instrument: Bass Guitar
Likes: Sex
Dislikes: Anything that prevents him from getting laid
Special Talents: Seduction, manifesting in bedrooms
Bo has a blond, sexy appeal that works on just about any sentient creature. His preference is human females, but he’ll try anything if he’s hungry enough. He’s laid-back and charming when he gets his way, sullen and conniving when he doesn’t. A sleaze with a surfer boy’s good looks, he’s happy to party his way through eternity, and playing in a rock band is just another way to meet girls and have a good time.
Lazaro Thantos
Species: Zombie
Instrument: Drums
Likes: Drums, brains, makeup artists
Dislikes: Brains of stupid people, anything that keeps him away from his drums
Special Talents: Hiding the bodies
Lazaro is a simple creature, obsessed with drums and food. He admires intelligence in his food and likes to raid colleges for his meals. For the most part, though, he just wants to be left to play his drums in peace.
Maelstrom Management
Maelstrom is currently managed and promoted by Landon Talent Management. For information about Maelstrom's bookings, recordings, and publicity, contact Ricky Landon.
Art is by Rebecca Gunter. Contact her with your own commission requests or visit her deviantART site and gallery.
Short fiction and reviews are added every few days and further information about the novel will be available in the About the Book tab as news becomes available. For additional information or questions about Maelstrom fiction, contact Ann Pino.
Art is by Rebecca Gunter. Contact her with your own commission requests or visit her deviantART site and gallery.
Short fiction and reviews are added every few days and further information about the novel will be available in the About the Book tab as news becomes available. For additional information or questions about Maelstrom fiction, contact Ann Pino.
Maelstrom: The Book
When a genie grants you a wish, you don’t expect to have to return the favor.
Struggling promoter Ricky Landon is on the verge of giving up his dreams when he dumps sexy genie Kalila from a junk store lamp. She grants his wish to manage a talented band, but she has a wish of her own…she wants to be a rock star.
Kalila’s band consists of fellow demons whose genius on stage is matched by their ability to get themselves banned from every venue they’ve ever played. Ricky is willing to do what it takes to help them succeed, but with a zombie on drums, an incubus on bass, and a vampire lead vocalist, the off-stage antics are a little more serious than diva behavior and trashed hotel rooms.
Via connections and clever promoting, Ricky turns Maelstrom into the hottest act in town, but their growing fame and Ricky’s love affair with Kalila draw the attention of a rival band of washed-up deities. They’ll do anything to stop Maelstrom from achieving their goals, and now Ricky’s career and maybe even his life is at stake.
Ricky knew rock and roll was a little crazy, but he never thought it would be like this!
***
Maelstrom has been accepted for publication by L&L Dreamspell and will be available for purchase in early 2010.
Sample chapter is available here. Please note that the final published version may differ slightly.
Struggling promoter Ricky Landon is on the verge of giving up his dreams when he dumps sexy genie Kalila from a junk store lamp. She grants his wish to manage a talented band, but she has a wish of her own…she wants to be a rock star.
Kalila’s band consists of fellow demons whose genius on stage is matched by their ability to get themselves banned from every venue they’ve ever played. Ricky is willing to do what it takes to help them succeed, but with a zombie on drums, an incubus on bass, and a vampire lead vocalist, the off-stage antics are a little more serious than diva behavior and trashed hotel rooms.
Via connections and clever promoting, Ricky turns Maelstrom into the hottest act in town, but their growing fame and Ricky’s love affair with Kalila draw the attention of a rival band of washed-up deities. They’ll do anything to stop Maelstrom from achieving their goals, and now Ricky’s career and maybe even his life is at stake.
Ricky knew rock and roll was a little crazy, but he never thought it would be like this!
***
Maelstrom has been accepted for publication by L&L Dreamspell and will be available for purchase in early 2010.
Sample chapter is available here. Please note that the final published version may differ slightly.
